It’s race day at Texas Motor Speedway

FORT WORTH — The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series will compete this afternoon at the 1.5-mile Texas Motor Speedway in the AAA Texas 500.

All eyes will be on Jimmie Johnson, Denny Hamlin and Kevin Harvick as they battle for the lead in the Sprint Cup Series point standings. Only 38 points separate the top-five drivers in the rankings.

Today’s events began about an hour ago with The American Red Cross “Salute Our Troops” Pre-Race Show featuring a concert by Willie Nelson.

Driver introductions are set for 1:30 p.m. and the green flag is set to drop on the 334-lap, 501-mile race at 2:16 p.m.

The Pledge of Allegiance today will be by Major General Raymond W. Carter. The Presentation of Colors will be by the 3rd Battle Command Group, 75th Battle Command Division out of Fort Still, Oklahoma. The Invocation will be delivered by Dr. Roger Marsh, Texas Alliance Raceway Ministries..

Today’s National Anthem will be by Foreigner’s Kelly Hansen and the Fly-By TOT will be a B52 from Barksdale AFB.